2. How to Read a Political
Cartoon
Political cartoons convey an opinion
about a topic
They are a type of persuasive
communication
Most political cartoons use humour for
serious purposes: to make points
about public figures, government
decisions, or news events
3. What symbols does the cartoon
use?
Cartoons use symbols, such as
carefully chosen objects and people.
To stand for ideas
4.
5. What situation does the cartoon
show?
Cartoons set up situations and
exaggerate aspects of events to make
points about issues
6.
7. What’s the message
The message of the cartoon is the
main idea or point the artist is
communicating about an issue
8.
9.
10.
11. Creating Political Cartoons
Cartoons should use wit and humour
through exaggeration of people or
events, but not just for comic effect
They should have a foundation in truth
and be based on facts
Cartoons can be hand-drawn or
electronically designed
12. Creating Political Cartoons
People are designed as caricatures
where human features are
exaggerated. People can also be
depicted as animals
14. Creating Political Cartoons
Colour, shading and size of objects
can be used to emphasize a particular
point
Include speech balloons, labels or
captions to help communicate your
ideas
